Cheer Me On

Hi Mighty friends! 👋

Last weekend was pretty tough for me. I had to fight my way out of a heavy depressive episode, so this weekend I want to set an intention that can help me feel more grounded and in control of my body and life's decisions. I think I want my word to be "centered." I want to feel connected to my physical and spiritual body.

What about you? What word can you carry with you into the weekend?

#BipolarDepression #BipolarDisorder #PTSD #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #Schizophrenia #ADHD #Parenting #ChronicIllness #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Anxiety #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Depression #MentalHealth #Selfcare #EatingDisorders #CheckInWithMe #CheerMeOn

After taking some time off (as explained in earlier posts), I have been working on creating new images for future posts as I return to return to raising awareness of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and try to provide information, support and encouragement to people living with this debilitating condition.
#FunctionalNeurologicalDisorder #Disability #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #MightyTogether #CheerMeOn #FND #FNDAwareness

I've been reflecting lately on the goals and intentions I want to set for myself as the year continues. There have been a lot of shifts and changes in my daily routine since the beginning of the year, and as a result, some of my habits have had to change, too.

One habit I'd really like to improve is my time management. I want to use my time in a way that leaves me feeling less fatigued and less stressed about how little time I have for myself. I've realized that self-abandonment is a major trigger for my depression, so making space for my own needs has become increasingly important.

I also want to practice speaking to myself with more kindness about what I'm able to accomplish each week and how I define purpose in this season of my life. I'm not sure I'm where I want to be—or even if there's a specific place I need to "be" right now. Transition seasons often feel foggy and uncertain for me.

What about you? Is there a habit you'd like to change? What's one small step you can take toward that change?

#BipolarDepression #BipolarDisorder #PTSD #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #Schizophrenia #ADHD #Parenting #ChronicIllness #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Anxiety #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Depression #MentalHealth #Selfcare #EatingDisorders #CheckInWithMe #CheerMeOn

As some of you may have noticed, I have been taking a break from The Mighty over the past few months. The reason for this was that, after years of living in a home that was entirely unsuitable, even dangerous, due to my health and mobility needs - which had triggered severe depression and anxiety - I was finally able to move into a home that is fully wheelchair adapted and beyond anything I could have imagined. As much as this move has changed my life in so many ways, it also revealed the full extent of my social anxiety and just how much depression and anxiety had affected me. I felt it was important for me to take some time to work on myself and it helped me to rediscovered someone I thought I wouldn’t see again – ME! I have rediscovered parts of myself that I thought were gone for good, and it has been wonderful. And what has been even more amazing is that rediscovering myself has led to me accepting myself for who I am, which in turn has helped me feel more accepted by others. 💪🏻🤗💝
#Selfcare #MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #SocialAnxiety #GeneralizedAnxietyDisorder #CheerMeOn #FunctionalNeurologicalDisorder #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #MightyTogether #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #Disability #DepressiveDisorders

For me, living with mental health conditions has been challenging in many ways. One of the more subtle—but surprisingly difficult—challenges has been answering the simple question, "How are you?"

Being part of different mental health communities has given me the courage to be more honest with myself and with others. At the same time, it's made it harder to give the automatic "I'm fine" response when that's not how I actually feel.

If I'm having a difficult day, I usually try to be honest about it. But I've learned that this approach can sometimes make others uncomfortable, especially if they don't understand that my mental health conditions are chronic. My symptoms aren't something that only show up during a crisis or after something traumatic—they're a regular part of my life.

There have even been times when I've distanced myself from people because I worried that my honesty about not feeling well over a long period of time would make them uncomfortable.

Can anyone else relate?

How do you usually respond when someone asks, "How are you?" Does that question ever feel uncomfortable for you? Has your answer changed over time?

#BipolarDepression #BipolarDisorder #PTSD #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #Schizophrenia #ADHD #Parenting #ChronicIllness #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Anxiety #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Depression #MentalHealth #Selfcare #EatingDisorders #CheckInWithMe #CheerMeOn

It's the last day of July, Mighties! How was the month for you? Let’s check in and reflect on our mood-tracking experiences. 🌳

What were some trends or patterns you saw come up? Have you learned anything new, reassuring, or interesting about yourself in the process of mood tracking this month? Is there anything you would like to improve or work on moving forward?

💡 Bonus: Feel free to also comment the color(s) that best represents your mood today as well. 🎖️

💚 Green: Open-minded, creative, reflective
🔵 Blue: Calm, relaxed, confident
💜 Purple: Happy, excited, grateful
⬛ Black: Angry, annoyed, frustrated
🟧 Orange: Stressed, overwhelmed
🟫 Brown: Tired, exhausted, drained
🟨 Yellow: Depressed, stuck, melancholy
❤️ Red: Anxious, alert, concerned, worried
⚪ White: Not sure if I can put my mood into words.
🌈 Rainbow: Other (share in the comments!)

#MightyMoodTracking #CheckInWithMe #Selfcare #MentalHealth #ChronicIllness #ChronicPain #Disability #Autism #Fibromyalgia #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Depression #Anxiety #BipolarDisorder #PTSD #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Migraine #MultipleSclerosis
#CheerMeOn

📒 Spiral notebook: Write a to-do list for today. What's at the top of your list?
📓 Composition notebook: A skill I want (or need) to learn is ___________.
📔 Journal notebook: What's a challenge you've been navigating lately?

I choose the journal notebook! 📔
A challenge I've been navigating is mentally preparing to adjust to a new therapist. Change can be hard for me, but I'm trying to be kinder to myself as I move through this transition.

Which notebook do you choose today? 💙

#MentalHealth #Journaling #Depression #Anxiety #CheckInWithMe #Fibromyalgia #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #PTSD #BipolarDisorder #Disability #ChronicPain #ChronicIllness #CheerMeOn #DistractMe #ThePencilCase

Spouses and Partners is a NAMI Family Support Group for spouses and other romantic partners of people living with a mental health condition. This peer-run group offers support in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Share your experiences, build community and learn from others with similar challenges.

💻 If you'd like more information or would like to join, you can find the link here. Virtual groups are every 4th Tuesday, 5:30 to 7pm Eastern Standard Time. Closed captioning is available: naminycmetro.org/programs/spouses-and-partners

If you have any questions, feel free to comment below!

#BipolarDepression #BipolarDisorder #PTSD #ComplexPosttraumaticStressDisorder #Schizophrenia #ADHD #ChronicIllness #SchizoaffectiveDisorder #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Anxiety #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Depression #MentalHealth #Selfcare #EatingDisorders #CheckInWithMe #CheerMeOn